Rafael Nadal put himself within in touching distance of a place in the semi finals of the ATP World Tour Finals with in the end a comfortable victory over Novak Djokovic with a little help from a contact lens.

The world number one won 7-5 6-2 in just under 2 hours to go top of Group A, while Djokovic is level with Tomas Berdych on one win after he beat Andy Roddick earlier in the day.

The match was living up to it’s billing as the world no. 1 took on the world no.3 in the repeat of the US open final 3 months ago. Nadal broke serve in game five of the first set but Djokovic hit straight back.

As the first set came to the final crucial games Djokovic required treatment for his eye after he complained his right contact lens was irritating his eye. After that world number three looked far from comfortable as Nadal broke again for 6-5, served out the opener. After that the match was a formality for Nadal as Djokovic struggled to find the court.

After the match Djokovic spoke to the worlds media,

I really feel sick talking about it because it’s just incredible that this happened to me. It never happened to me in my life, I’m really annoyed something like this can really affect the match. It did because my right eye got irritated and from the 5-5 I could not play. I could not see a ball, especially on the return. It was just terrible. I don’t want to find any excuses for my loss, but the fact of the matter is that I just could not play. I could not play. These things happen. It’s out of my control. Unfortunately, it happened in a very important match, in a very important moment. I will try to see a doctor and see if there is something more serious going on and in two days hopefully I can be ready.

Match preview

World Number 1 Rafael Nadal will take on world number 3 Novak Djokovic in London tonight in the second round of matches in group a.

It will be a repeat of this years US Open final that Nadal won 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 and completing the Spaniards set of Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic a grand slam winner himself will be looking to avenge that defeat, but could also have one eye on next weeks Davis Cup final.

Djokovic has made a good start here in London, beating Berdych in straight sets, whilst Nadal only just sneaked through his opening match against Andy Roddick.

These two have played each other 22 times already with Nadal holding a 15-7 lead over the Serbian. Though most of Nadal’s wins have come on clay. On hard courts the score is in Djokovic’s favour 7-4.

The bookmakers have Djokovic as the slight favourite. If your looking to place a bet, Betfair have the best odds and have a special offer running. Bet £20, get £30 back!